Shower Curtain Lock

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a shower curtain lock to hold the shower curtain at one specific position. The invention has an objective to prevent water splashing or falling outside the shower or bath tub area. A system is provided for converting the shower or bathtub area into an enclosed substantially waterproof shower enclosure by means of locking the shower curtains at one position near to the wall or bathtub. The system holds the curtain at a position where the water splashes and droplets can&#39;t come out of the shower area. If the water splashes against the curtain the water shall run down to the shower area. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The invention relates to clamp and locks and, more particularly, is directed towards shower curtain lock This invention relates to closures for showers and bathtubs and more specifically to a shower curtain assembly. The present invention relates to a means of preventing the splashing of water out of a shower stall that is in use.

The current invention is more pertinent to the concept of holding the shower curtain at a certain place near to the wall of the bath tub or shower room, so that it does not move and the water should not come out.

Discussion of Related Art

The problem of keeping water inside of the shower stall during a shower has commonly been solved using a shower curtain and or shower curtain liner. Shower curtains and liners have to be changed periodically due to the build-up of mold, soap scum, and other undesired residues. Shower curtains and liners are often positioned on a shower rod using hooks, rings, clamps, rods and other time consuming, frustrating fasteners. The magnetic shower drape and liner use magnetism between strategically placed magnets to facilitate: quick and easy positioning of the drape on the shower rod, and effectively preventing the leakage of water from the bathtub and shower stall.

Shower curtains as used in the customary manner with stall showers or bath tub showers are hung from a suitable height above the shower enclosure. The rush of water from the shower fixture causes agitation of the air which creates a draft that pulls the shower curtain into the enclosure. Such movement of the shower curtain is not only annoying to the bather but also allows water to spray out of the enclosure onto the floor.

Utilization of shower curtains to try to prevent water from the shower from going outside the shower enclosure at the edges is well known. Shower curtains are often pulled away from the edge of the shower or tub enclosure by the vacuum created by the velocity of the water from the shower head according to well-known phenomena.

Often the typical shower curtain does not adequately prevent water from spilling onto the bathroom floor as the curtain moves away from the shower walls due to the decreased pressure of air entrained with the water spray. In addition, this effect can be due to an open window or door blowing the curtain.

Attempts have been made to keep shower curtains in place by wetting the edge of the shower enclosure wall and sticking the curtain to it. Other devices include magnets or suction cups at the bottom of the shower curtain to keep the curtain against the inside of the bathtub walls. These techniques often require installation of items to the tile. Also when it is necessary to remove the curtain for cleaning or washing, the magnets or suction cups may break in the washing machine, making the arrangement useless.

It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a shower closure device for a curtain which is aesthetically appealing with the curtain attached and which causes water to remain inside of the tub instead of spilling onto the floor. The curtain will remain held and shall not displace from its position, once clamped. The device can easily be installed and removed from the shower curtain fixture.

The device of the present invention is related to an improved closure device for shower curtains. The device may also be used in connection with tarps, curtains, and covers and other related fields where a closing device for a curtain-like structure is employed.

However, to Applicant's knowledge, none of these prior art devices has been found to be completely suitable to meet this need. Hence, the inventor of the present invention purposes to resolve and surmount existent technical difficulties to eliminate the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art.

The previous art and invention in this field have limited or not well designed. With reference to previous inventions or utility of such system associated the current invention this holds its own uniqueness and usability in its domain. With all previous embodiments in the field did not provide such facilitation and hence the idea has its own novelty.

SUMMARY

In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specifications, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

This invention relates to closures for showers and bathtubs and in particular, shower curtains. In accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for locking the shower curtain at one position near to the shower or bathtub area so that the water does not splash on to the floor or outside the shower area. The invention basically restricts the movement of the shower curtain in vertical and horizontal direction both. It does not allow the shower curtain to leave the position near to the wall or bathtub so that water droplets or splashes do not go out of the shower area and if slide back to the shower area after striking the inner side of the curtain.

The present invention is directed to a new and improved “cock lock” shower curtain ring for use in hanging shower curtains. It is designed in the form of a ring or loop wherein one end contains the hinges for movement and the other end has a clip for locking the device. The shower curtain lock is made up of plastic material with having rubber sealing on the inner side. This is to ensure that, long lasting of the shower curtain lock in wet environment.

The main objective of the invention to provide a shower curtain lock for holding a shower curtain in place and prevent the heretofore mentioned inconveniences. The shower curtain lock is in form of a round lock with a locking clip on one side. The lock can be released by opening the clip and the lock can open to 180 degrees. The inner side of the lock has a rubber strip for gripping the rod and holding it as a seal.

The outer frame comprises two spaced apart U-shaped outer channels slightly larger than the inner channel which is of the size of a standard shower rod. The inner part of the lock has a rubber seal which acts as a water tight sealing engagement with the primary frame piece of the bath or shower curtain rod.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

The present invention is a novel shower curtain click lock which is used to restrict the movement of curtains in the shower area or bathtub. The shower curtain lock is round in shape with one side having the lock system and the other side has hinges for supporting the opening of the lock in u-shape. In addition, the new shower curtain lock provides very easy and improved click closure by virtue of openings on the sides which intersect and define a central anchoring recess.

One of the embodiment of the shower curtain lock is that it is made up of plastic material. The lock can be made of metal material as well. The choice of the material is relevant with the purpose of locking the shower curtains from movement. The lock can be made available in the same color as the shower curtain or the shower curtain rings. This will make the curtain lock look like part of the shower curtain.

Another embodiment of the invention is that it holds the shower curtain in place. The lock is placed between first and second shower hook. The size of the lock is larger in circumference than the shower hooks to restrict their movement. The purpose is to keep the shower curtain near the wall so water does not get on the floor. The curtains are so positioned against the wall near the facet to prevent water from hitting the floor.

The circumference of the inside of the circle is about the same size as the shower rod so that it fits to majority of the standard shower rods. The outer portion of the round shower curtain lock is made up of plastic or metal body. The inner part has a rubber lining on the inner side to grab the shower rod. Another functionality of the rubber grip is to create a tight seal when it is clamped restricting its own movement along with the movement of the hooks and shower curtain itself.

As per the design of invention, one side of the lock has a hinge which supports the function of opening and closing when required. The other side has a clamp allowing it to close in place. The clamp locks the two opening ends to have the grip on the rod through the rubber on the inner side of the lock.

Many curtains have magnets at the bottom by virtue of the design of manufacturing. The current invention does not require a magnet but the lock shall hold to such fitting as well performing it function of holding the curtains at a certain position and restricting the movement of shower rings. The current system does not require anything to adhere to the wall; rather it simply clips onto the rod.

One of the objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved shower closure. Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved shower closure which is aesthetically appealing and easily installed and removed. A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved shower closure which prevents water from spilling outside the shower but is low cost compared to the prior art. A more specific object of this invention is to provide a new and improved shower closure by providing unique locking channels at the shower walls to which the shower curtain is securely fastened to prevent water from spilling outwardly.

The invention is elaborated through 04 figures. FIG. 1/4 shows the shower curtain lock in locked position. 101 is pointed as the top of the curtain lock, which can be seen as round with smooth surface for easy and safe handling. The side of the clip is marked as 103, which is round with smooth surface for easy and safe handling. 102 is pointing towards the bottom of the clamp which is in round position with clear and smooth surface. The lock is open and closed through a hinge placed on the opposite side of the locking mechanism. 107 is pointing to the hinge of the curtain lock system. The inner part of the lock system has a material like rubber to grip the shower rod. 105 is pointing towards the inner part of the lock system with embedded rubber material or nearby material used for gripping function. The right side is locking system for the shower curtain. 109 is pointing towards upper part of the lock system which is a locking clip latch system. 111 is pointing towards the lower part of the clip/latch based locking system. 113 is pointing towards the latch/clip of the locking system, which is shown in locked position by wrapping the upper part.

FIG. 2/4 shows the shower curtain lock in locked position. 101 is pointed as the top of the curtain lock, which can be seen as round with smooth surface for easy and safe handling. The side of the clip is marked as 103, which is round with smooth surface for easy and safe handling. 102 is pointing towards the bottom of the clamp which is in round position with clear and smooth surface. The lock is open and closed through a hinge placed on the opposite side of the locking mechanism. 107 is pointing to the hinge of the curtain lock system. The inner part of the lock system has a material like rubber to grip the shower rod. 105 is pointing towards the inner part of the lock system with embedded rubber material or nearby material used for gripping function. The right side is locking system for the shower curtain. 109 is pointing towards upper part of the lock system which is a locking clip latch system. 111 is pointing towards the lower part of the clip/latch based locking system. 113 is pointing towards the latch/clip of the locking system, which is shown in open position when the shower curtain is to be opened. 113 the movable clip/latch is shown in open position.

FIG. 1/3 is showing the shower curtain lock in an open position. The figure shows the inner part of the shower curtain lock when it is opened for releasing the shower curtain or before locking the moving curtains on the shower rod. 105 is the inner part of the shower curtain lock which can be seen as a round smooth surface made up of a rough or rubber material which helps the gripping of the shower rod and locks the shower curtain not allowing it to move. 107 is the hinge on one of the side of the shower curtain lock which allows the free movement of the shower curtain lock for opening and closing. 113 is pointing towards the clipping latch of the shower curtain lock in open position, the same is used to lock the shower curtain lock.

FIG. 4/4 shows the shower curtain lock in display and functional position on a shower curtain displayed on a shower lock. 100 is pointed towards the shower curtain lock in functional position on the shower curtain rod. The shower curtain is marked as 201, which is in open position, the way it would be placed next to the bath tub or shower area.

This detailed description in connection with the drawings is intended principally as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention and that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the invention or scope of the following claims.

Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A shower curtain lock being clamped on the shower rod for holding a flexible shower curtain against the sidewall of a shower or bath tub; ensuring that the water does not splash outside the shower area, comprising:
 1. Plastic or metal based shower curtain lock, which are larger in size than the curtain rings; the inner circumference of the lock is of the size of a standard shower rod; the inner portion has rubber lining for gripping the rod and sealing the movement of the lock and curtain; a shower curtain rod extending between and above said retention round lock; a hollow locking system which fits on to the shower rod; a securing means for securing the movement of the curtain and placing them in position against the wall or tub to avoid any water from coming outside.
 2. The shower enclosure in accordance with claim 1 wherein the base of said locking system has a rubber lining for grip and sealing the movement on the shower rod.
 3. The shower lock system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shower curtain lock system will lock through clamps on the side.
 4. The shower curtain lock enclosure for bathtubs in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shower curtain is locked and restricted in movement and is positioned against the wall.
 5. As per claim 1, the system has hinges on one side allowing the lock system to open and be placed in u-shape.
 6. As per claim 1, the shower lock system will hold the curtain against the wall of the shower area or bath tub and restrict the splashing of water or droplets outside the shower area; keeping the aligned floor free of water splashing. 